Twenty-four hours after the mice were infected with E. coli, the
researchers injected forskolin directly into the mice's bladders or their
belly.

For comparison, the scientists injected saltwater into the bladders of other
female mice with E. coli bladder infections.

One day after treatment, the mice in the forskolin group had less E.
coli bacteria in their bladders than the mice that got the saltwater
shot.

The forskolin group also had lower levels of inflammatory chemicals in their
urine, the study shows.

"This type of treatment strategy may prove beneficial for patients with
recurrent urinary tract infections," Abraham says in a Duke University news
release.

He notes that antibiotics get rid of most bacteria that cause urinary tract
infections, but some bacteria may hide in the bladder's lining. Forskolin may
force those hidden bacteria out of the bladder's lining, where they could be
targeted by antibiotics.

"Ideally, use of this herb would expel the bacteria, where it would then
be hit with antibiotics. With the reservoir of hiding bacteria cleared out, the
infection should not occur," Abraham says.